KEEPING SUBS ON TRACK WITHOUT LOSING YOUR MIND
That “anything weird pop up?” question is gold. I’ve had subs mention stuff like a leaky hose or a weird noise from the generator—little things that could’ve turned into big headaches if nobody spoke up. I do think incentives have their place, but yeah, if you’re not around, it’s like herding cats. For me, just being present and actually listening goes further than any bonus. And honestly, when folks feel respected, they tend to care more about the work anyway... funny how that works.
For me, just being present and actually listening goes further than any bonus.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve seen plenty of jobs where just “being present” didn’t cut it. Some subs are just wired to do the bare minimum unless there’s something extra in it for them. Respect matters, sure, but I’ve had to put real money on the table to get folks to care about the details. Maybe it’s just the scale of some projects, but I don’t buy that respect alone keeps everyone sharp.
I’ve definitely noticed that, especially on bigger remodels. There’s a difference between being present and actually holding folks accountable—sometimes just showing up isn’t enough. I’ve tried both approaches: being hands-on and also offering small bonuses for hitting deadlines or quality marks. Out of curiosity, have you found any non-monetary incentives that actually work? I’ve had mixed luck with things like public recognition or flexible scheduling... sometimes it helps, sometimes not so much.
Keeping Subs On Track Without Losing Your Mind
That’s been my experience too—just being around doesn’t always move the needle, especially if folks know you’re not going to follow up. I’ve tried public recognition and flexible hours as well, but honestly, it’s hit or miss. Some crews appreciate a little shout-out or a long weekend, but others just want to get paid and move on. I’ve found clear expectations and regular check-ins do more than any incentive, monetary or not. It’s not flashy, but it keeps things moving (most of the time).
Keeping Subs On Track Without Losing Your Mind
- I’ve noticed the same thing—some folks just want to clock in, do the work, and get paid. Recognition or perks don’t always land.
- For me, it’s all about super clear project specs right from the jump. If there’s ambiguity, subs tend to fill in the blanks their own way... which rarely matches my vision.
- I do regular site walks and quick check-ins, but I’m curious—has anyone had luck with digital tools for tracking progress or communication? Sometimes I feel like my endless email threads just get ignored.
